Widespread participation at the 34th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF), held under the theme From Engraving to Writing, reveals the vitality of the cultural scene amid an atmosphere brimming with creativity and knowledge.
Taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), the DIBF has become an event where minds and ideas meet and the experiences of publishers, creators, and the public intersect in a space of interaction and enlightenment.
Local, Arab, and international publishing houses are presenting their latest publications in various fields, from literature, and science, to children's and young adult books, as well as specialised artistic and educational publications.
The diversity extends to the methods of presentation and interaction with the public, reflecting the development of the publishing industry and the trends of readers in this era.
This year's exhibition showcases the vibrant cultural landscape in Qatar and the region, reaffirming the importance of books as a tool for building awareness, strengthening identity, and opening up to the world.
The crowded pavilions and accompanying activities, which attract a wide audience of all ages, demonstrate the community's passion for reading and its eagerness to acquire knowledge.
One such activity was a seminar on "Cultural Footsteps: The Nomas Journey to Malaysia", where a number of students spoke about this unique cultural and educational experience, highlighting the impact the trip had them.
A special session was organised for the "Qatar Reads" initiative, aiming to introduce visitors to the initiative's objectives and its most prominent publications.
The session was presented by programme development officer Nada Behzad, who noted that "Qatar Reads" does not wait for the public to come to the library, but rather seeks to reach them where they are.
The 34th DIBF introduces new features, such as a service added to facilitate the visitor’s tour of the exhibition through smart screens distributed across the Reading Guide service platforms.
This helps beneficiaries identify their list of reading interests more quickly, and allows them to receive a list of their favourite books via e-mail after completing a questionnaire.
